Hydrogen stabilizers for vinyl ether-based coating systems

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to vinyl ether-based coatings for which properties such as color stability, thermal stability, mechanical stability, hydrolytic stability, and resistance to embrittlement may be maintained and properties hydrogen generation and blocking are minimized. The coatings comprise a vinyl ether-containing composition polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation comprising: (a) an oligomer or a mixture of oligomers which are monofunctional, multifunctional, or a mixture of both monofunctional and multifunctional and which have a reactive functionality chosen from the group consisting of epoxy, acrylate, vinyl ether, maleate, or mixtures thereof; (b) monomers which are monofunctional, multifunctional, or a mixture of both monofunctional and multifunctional monomers and which have a reactive functionality chosen from the group consisting of epoxy, acrylate, vinyl ether, maleate, or mixtures thereof, wherein at least one of (a) or (b) must contain a vinyl ether functionality; (c) a photoinitiator, optionally including a sensitizer, chosen from the group consisting of a cationic photoinitiator and a radical photoinitiator; and (d) a thermal oxidation stabilizer. The composition also comprises additives including as hydrogen stabilizers; mixtures of hindered phenols, organic sulfides or disulfides, and transition metal salts of organic compounds.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/274,671 filed Jul. 13, 1994.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to protective or decorative vinyl ether-based coatings for wood, metal, paper, glass, and plastics where it is important to maintain certain properties such as color stability, thermal stability, mechanical stability, hydrolytic stability, and resistance to embrittlement, and to minimize or prevent other properties such as hydrogen generation and blocking.

An example of the instant invention is an optical fiber coating. Optical fibers are typically coated with a primary coating to cushion against micro-bending and a secondary coating for abrasion resistance. Problems with these coatings include long term stability, hydrogen generation, and "blocking" or fiber-fiber adhesion. Long term stability is important as the intended lifetime of optical fibers is approximately 30 years. Premature failure of the fiber coating cannot be tolerated. It is also important that degradation of the coating does not affect its surface characteristics. This could lead to surface adhesion (blocking) of the coated fibers upon later processing, or fouling of the processing equipment during manufacture. Blocking may also occur after coating because of a change in the surface energy over time. The generation of hydrogen is thought to be due to degradation of the coating. Hydrogen then reacts with the glass, resulting in a reduction in light transmission. Another concern is the adhesion (coupling) of the coating to the glass fibers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises improved stabilizers to reduce hydrogen generation, particularly in optical fiber coatings.

Coating compositions useful with hydrogen stabilizers of the invention comprise a vinyl ether-containing composition polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation comprising: (a) an oligomer or a mixture of oligomers which are monofunctional, multifunctional, or a mixture of both monofunctional and multi functional and which have a reactive functionality chosen from the group consisting of epoxy, acrylate, vinyl ether, maleate, or mixtures thereof, (b) monomers which are monofunctional, multifunctional, or a mixture of both monofunctional and multifunctional monomers and which have a reactive functionality chosen from the group consisting of epoxy, acrylate, vinyl ether, maleate, or mixtures thereof, wherein at least one of (a) or (b) must contain a vinyl ether functionality; (c) a photoinitiator with an optional sensitizer.

Additives may be used individually or as part of a stabilizer package to provide desirable properties to the coatings. These additives are thermal oxidation stabilizers, hydrogen stabilizers, light screens, color stabilizers, blocking stabilizers, and coupling agents.

Preferred hydrogen stabilizers of the invention comprise mixtures of hindered phenols, organic sulfides or disulfides, and organic salts of transitional metals, such as cobalt, manganese, copper, nickel, and zinc.

In one aspect, the invention is a method of reducing hydrogen generation from vinyl ether based polymers by adding the mixture of hydrogen stabilizers as described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A stabilized coating composition comprises a vinyl ether-containing composition polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation comprising oligomers (a), monomers (b), photoinitiator and optional sensitizer (c). The composition also comprises additives comprising at least one additive chosen from the group consisting of a thermal oxidation stabilizer (d), hydrogen stabilizer (e), a light screen (f), a color stabilizer (g), a blocking stabilizer (h), and a coupling agent (j). A detailed description of each of these components follows.

In the formulas below, where a moiety may be di, tri, or tetra valent, theyare defined as, for example, alkyl, aryl, etc. which is to be understood asnot implying a mono valent group, but a polyfunctional group having the general chemical nature indicated.

Oligomers (a)

Polyether Oligomers

Where the oligomers (a) are polyethers, they may be chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol; polypropylene glycol; block or random copolymers of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol; multifunctional phenols which have been derivatized with ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or random or block copolymers of ethylene and propylene oxides (e.g., 4,4'-isopropylidene diphenol extended with ethylene oxide); and polytetramethylene glycol. Where the oligomer is a polycarbonate, it may be chosen from the group consisting of poly(hexamethylene carbonate), poly(bisphenol-A carbonate), carbonates derived from multifunctional phenols which have been derivatized with ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, or random or block copolymers of ethylene and propylene oxides. Where the oligomer is a polyalkylene oxide, the oligomer may be chosen from the group consisting of polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, polytetramethylene oxide, and random or block copolymers of thereof.

Urethane Oligomers

Where the oligomer comprises a urethane, the hydroxyl-terminated macropolyols (i) used to make the oligomer (a) may be chosen from the group consisting of polyester, polyether, polycarbonate, polyalkylene oxides, and diols of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene and cycloalkylene radicals. An example of the polyester structure is: ##STR1##wherein X_(a), X_(b), and Y are radicals having a molecular weight of from 25 to about 500, and X_(b), each X_(a), and each Y is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and cycloalkyl radicals, j is an integer from 0 to 2, m is an integer from1 to 100, and w is an integer from 1 to 3. Note that in the instant application, the term "independently selected" means that where there may be more than one variable within brackets which may be substituted, that variable may be selected independently of the same variable within the same brackets, e.g., the two X's in [--O--X--O--]₂, may differ from each other.

Examples of the alkyl moieties for X_(a), X_(b), and Y which may be used include saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons based upon methylene (>C<), ethylene (>C--C<), propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene, octylene, nonylene, decylene, undecylene, dodecylene, tridecylene, tetradecylene, pentadecylene, hexadecylene, heptadecylene, octadecylene, nonadecylene, and eicosylene as well as unsaturated hydrocarbons such as "ethene" (>C═C<), propene, etc., preferably those alkylene groups, containing up to about 20 carbon atoms. Examples of aryl groups include phenylene, naphthylene, anthrylene, phenanthrylene, etc. Cycloalkyl groupsinclude the cyclopentylene, cyclohexylene, cycloheptylene, cyclooctylene, and cycloalkylene groups containing 1 or more alkyl groups on the nucleus.Similarly, the aryl groups which may be used for Y also may contain one or more alkyl groups on the aromatic ring, especially where such alkyl groupscontain up to about 6 carbon atoms. Examples of aralkyl groups include benzylene, 1-phenethylene, 2-phenethylene, 3-phenylpropylene, 2-phenylpropylene, 1-phenylpropylene, etc. Particularly useful Y groups are --(CH₂)_(n) -- groups where n is 2, 3, or 4, 1,2-, 1,3-, or 1,4-phenylene groups, and 1,4-cyclohexylene groups. Particularly useful X groups are --CH₂ CH₂ --, --CH₂ CH₂ --O--CH₂ CH₂ --, --CH₂ -- (CH₃)CH--, --(CH₂)_(n) -- where n is 4 or 6, --CH₂ --(CH₃)₂ C--CH₂ --, 1,4-phenylene, and 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,4-xylylene.

Preferred structures for X_(a) and X_(b) are: ##STR2##and X_(b) may additionally be chosen from the group consisting of: ##STR3##wherein n is an integer from 2 to 20, q is an integer from 0 to 40, E is chosen from the group consisting of bond, O, CH₂, S, SO₂, >C(CH₃)₂, and >C(CF₃)₂, and Y is independently selected from the group consisting of: ##STR4##wherein n' is an integer between 2 and 20, E is chosen from the group consisting of bond, O, CH₂, S, SO₂, >C(CH₃)₂, and >C(CF₃)₂, and R_(y) is chosen from the group consisting of alkyl containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and NO₂.

Particularly preferred hydroxyl-terminated polyesters include poly(propylene adipate), poly(neopentyl adipate), poly(1,4-butane adipate), poly(1,6-hexane adipate), poly(neopentyl isophthalate), and poly(1,6-hexane isophthalate). The preferred molecular weights for the polyesters will be about 200 to 5000. Polyesters derived from mixed diols or acids may be useful.

Examples of the macropolyol (i) as a hydroxyl-terminated compound are: ##STR5##wherein X_(a) and X_(b) are radicals having a molecular weight of from 25 to about 500, and each X_(a) and X_(b) is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and cycloalkyl radicals,m is an integer from 0 to 100, preferably from 0 to 10, and w is an integerfrom 1 to 3. Preferred structures for X_(a) and X_(b) are the same as those listed for the polyester (i) above.

The diisocyanate (ii) component of the oligomer (a) has the structure: ##STR6##wherein Q is a divalent radical selected from the group consisting of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene, and cycloalkylene radicals.

A broad variety of diisocyanates may be used and may be exemplified by suchmaterials as the toluene diisocyanates (TDI), p- and m-phenylene diisocyanate, 1,4-tetramethylene diisocyanate, 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate, 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate, 1,4-cyclohexane diisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclo-hexylmethane diisocyanate (Desmodur W), 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4-diphenylmethanediisocyanate, 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, naphthalene-1,5'-diisocyanate, bis(2-methyl-3-isocyanatephenyl)methane, 4,4'-diphenylpropane diisocyanate, tetramethylxylene diisocyanate (TMXDI),isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI).

Polyisocyanates with a functionality of 2 or more may also be utilized. Examples are those discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,067, especially the polyisocyanates based on methylenediphenyl diisocyanate, in particular, the 4,4'-isomer and the uretonimine modified MDI as described there. The term polyisocyanate also includes quasi prepolymers of polyisocyanates with active hydrogen containing materials where the polyisocyanate is typically reacted with from about 0.05 to about 0.3 equivalents of a polyol. Although a vast number of polyisocyanates are suitable, in practice polyisocyanates based on MDI and TDI may be preferred for economyand general availability. However, aliphatic isocyanates exhibit non-yellowing properties which are especially important for coatings.

Among the most desirable isocyanates are 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate,toluene diisocyanate, isophorone diisocyanate, m-tetramethylxylene diisocyanate, 4,4'-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (Desmodur W), and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate.

Preferred structures for Q are: ##STR7##

The hydroxy-containing functional group polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation (iii) is chosen from the group consisting of epoxy, acrylate, vinyl ether, maleate, or mixtures thereof. Examples ofhydroxyl-functionalized epoxides are 1-hydroxy-2,3-epoxy propane and hydroxymethylcyclohexane-3,4-oxide. Examples of hydroxy-functionalized acrylates are hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, and other hydroxyalkyl acrylates. Examples of hydroxy-functionalized maleates are bis-hydroxyethyl maleate and other bis-hydroxylalkyl maleates, methyl-2-hydroxymethyl maleate, ethyl-2-hydroxymethyl maleate, and other alkylhydroxyethyl maleates.

When the hydroxy-containing functional group polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation (iii) component of the oligomer (a) is a vinyl ether, it will have the structure: ##STR8##wherein R₁ and R₂ are monovalent radicals selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. It is preferable that both R₁ and R₂ are not alkyl moieties, for in the case where both are lower alkyl groups this causes an undesirable reduction in polymerization rate of the oligomers of our invention. Where R₁ is an alkyl moiety it is preferred that R₂ be hydrogen, and conversely, where R₁ is hydrogen then R₂ should be an alkyl of 1 to 4 carbons. In a preferredembodiment either R₁ or R₂ is a methyl group and the other is hydrogen. In a still more preferred embodiment both R₁ and R₂ are hydrogen.

X_(a) is a divalent radical having a molecular weight in the range of from 25 to about 500 and is independently selected from the group consisting of alkylene, arylene, aralkylene and cycloalkylene radicals. The hydroxy monovinyl ether (iii) can be viewed as the adduct of an alkyneand a diol and may be prepared in that way. However, they can also be made in other ways, and the method of producing them is not part of this invention. The alkyne has the generic formula R₁ C.tbd.CR₂, and the diol has the generic formula HO--X--OH.

Examples of the diols are alkylene glycols, HO(C_(n) H_(2n))OH, where nis an integer from 2 to about 10. The linear alkylene glycols, HO(CH₂)_(n) OH, (polymethylenediols), where n is an integer from 2 to about 10, are particularly useful, especially where n is from 2 to about 6. Illustrative of the members of this group are such diols as ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,7-heptanediol, 1,8-octanediol, 1,9-nonanediol, and 1,10-decanediol(decamethylene glycol).

The nonlinear or branched alkylene diols may also be used, where such glycols contain from 3 up to about 10 carbon atoms. Examples include 1,2-propylene glycol, 2,3-butanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-butanediol, 2,3-dimethyl-1,4-butanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol(neopentylglycol).

Another useful class of diols are the polyalkylene glycols, especially poly(ethylene) glycols, HO[--CH₂ CH₂ O--]_(m) OH, and poly(propylene)glycol, HO[--CH(CH₃)CH₂ O]_(m) OH, where m is an integer from 1 up through about 50, although more usually m is an integer from 1 up to about 10, and most preferably from 1 up to about 5. Examples of these glycols include diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, pentaethylene glycol, hexaethylene glycol, etc., along with the analogs of the propylene glycols.

Of particular importance is the case where X_(a) is a divalent radical whose parent is a cycloalkane, such as cyclopentane, cyclohexane, cycloheptane, or cyclooctane, preferably the bis-hydroxy alkyl derivatives. The preferred diols are the 1,3-bis(hydroxyalkyl)cyclopentanes and the 1,4-bis-(hydroxyalkyl)cyclohexanes, -cycloheptanes, and -cyclooctanes, particularly the cyclohexanes. Diols substituted at positions different from those specified above may be used in the practice of this invention, but not necessarily with equivalent results. The bis-(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexanes are preferred as they are readily available from the reduction of the corresponding phthalic acids, and among these 1,4-bis-(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexane is favored.

Of the hydroxy monovinyl ethers (iii) which are produced by the reaction ofacetylene with the diols described above, those which are especially preferred include 4-hydroxybutyl vinyl ether (HBVE), 4-hydroxymethyl cyclohexylmethyl vinyl ether (CHMVE), 2-hydroxy ethyl vinyl ether, triethylene glycol monovinyl ether, and diethylene glycol monovinyl ether.

Preferred structures for X_(a) are the same as those listed for the polyester (i) above.

The urethane oligomer (a) may be formed by reacting the hydroxyl-terminatedmacropolyol (i) with the isocyanate compound (ii) or by reacting the isocyanate (ii) with the hydroxy-containing functional group polymerizableby actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation (iii) and thereafter reacting the adduct with the remaining component or alternatively, the three components may be co-reacted. The ratios of (i), (ii), and (iii) will be chosen so that the ratio of the total number of hydroxyl groups from (i) and (iii) to the number of isocyanate groups from (ii) is about 1:1. The ratio of the number of hydroxyl groups from (i) to the number of hydroxyl groups from (iii) should be in the range from about 0.5 to 10.

An important characteristic of urethane oligomers (a) is that in all cases there are few hydroxyl groups derived from the macropolyol (i) or hydroxy-containing functional group polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation (iii) in the final product. That is, less than about 10% of the initial hydroxyl groups remain unreacted. It is most preferable that the oligomeric product contain no detectable free hydroxylgroups, i.e., less than about 1% of the initial hydroxyl groups of the reactant mixture remain unreacted. It is also important that there should be essentially no free isocyanate groups remaining in the product, that is, less than about 1% of the initial isocyanate groups of the reactant mixture.

The reaction may be carried out at temperatures in the range of 0° C. to 150° C. Solvents such as diethyl ether, methylene chloride, or toluene may be employed and later removed from the oligomers, or the components may be reacted in the absence of solvents. Divinyl ether monomers such as 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol divinyl ether or triethylene glycol divinyl ether may also be used as solvents. Such compounds may be obtained as by-products in the preparation of hydroxy monovinyl ethers. Since they have no free hydroxyl groups they do not react with the isocyanates, but may remain with the oligomers in the formulations of coatings.

The reaction may be carried out without a catalyst, however, any of the conventional catalysts may be used, e.g., dibutyl tin dilaurate.

Polyester Oligomers

Where the oligomer (a) comprises a polyester, it is the reaction product of(i) a polyol containing at least two terminal and/or pendant hydroxyl groups, (ii) a polybasic ester, and (iii) a hydroxy-containing functional group polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation chosen from the group consisting of epoxy, acrylate, vinyl ether, maleate,or mixtures thereof. Examples of the polyol (i) structure are the hydroxyl-terminated polyether: ##STR9##wherein X_(a) and X_(b) are radicals having a molecular weight of from 25 to about 500, and each X_(a) and X_(b) is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and cycloalkyl radicals,m is an integer from 0 to 100, preferably 0 to 10, and w is an integer from1 to 3 indicating the number of additional substituents of X_(b). Preferred structures for X_(a) and X_(b) are the same as those listed for the polyester (ii) below.

An example of the polybasic ester (ii) structure is: ##STR10##wherein R₇ is chosen from the group consisting of phenyl and an alkyl group containing from 1 to 6 carbons, X_(a), X_(b), Y_(a), and Y_(b) are radicals having a molecular weight of from 25 to about 500, each X_(a), each X_(b), each Y_(a), and Y_(b) being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl and cycloalkyl radicals, j, z, p, v, and w are integers from 0 to 2, and m is an integer from 0 to 100, preferably 0 to 10. Preferred structures for X_(a) are independently selected from the group consisting of: ##STR11##wherein q is an integer from 0 to 40, n is an integer from 2 to 20, E is chosen from the group consisting of bond, O, CH₂, S, SO₂, >C(CH₃)₂, and >C(CF₃)₂.

The preferred structure for X_(b) are those for X_(a) where V is 0 and where X_(b) is polyfunctional ##STR12##where R is 1-10 carbon alkyl.

Preferred structures for Y_(a) and Y_(b) are those independently selected from the group consisting of: ##STR13##wherein n' is an integer between 0 and 20, E is chosen from the group consisting of bond, O, CH₂, S, SO₂, >C(CH₃)₂, and >C(CF₃)₂, and R_(y) is chosen from the group consisting of alkyl containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and NO₂, and Y_(b) may additionally be chosen from the group consisting of: ##STR14##

Examples of the hydroxy-containing functional group (iii) are 1-hydroxy-2,3-epoxy propane, hydroxymethylcyclohexane-3,4-oxide, hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl acrylate, bis-hydroxyethyl maleate, methyl-2-hydroxymethyl maleate, and ethyl-2-hydroxymethyl maleate. Examples of the structure of (iii) are: ##STR15##wherein R₁ and R₂ are monovalent radicals selected from the groupconsisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms. Preferably, R₁ is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and R₂ is hydrogen or R₁ is hydrogen and R₂ is an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Most preferably, both R₁ and R₂ are hydrogen. X_(a) is a divalent radical having a molecular weight in the range of from 25 to about 500 and is independently selected from the groupconsisting of alkylene, cycloalkylene, and alkylene ether radicals. Preferred structures for X_(a) are the same as those listed for the polyester (ii) above.

Monomers (b). In addition to the oligomer, the coating of the instant invention also comprises monomers (b) which may be monofunctional monomers, multifunctional monomers, or a mixture of both monofunctional and multifunctional monomers. The monomers have a reactive functionality chosen from the group consisting of epoxy, acrylate, vinyl ether, maleate,or mixtures thereof, wherein at least one of (a) or (b) must contain a vinyl ether functionality. An example of a vinyl ether terminated ester monomer is: ##STR16##wherein w is an integer from 1 to 4 indicating the number of substitutents of Y', Y' is a mono-, di-, tri-, or tetrafunctional radical having a molecular weight of 15 to 500 and is independently selected from the groupconsisting of alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, and cycloalkyl radicals, X_(a) is a divalent radical having a molecular weight of 25 to 500, each X_(a) being independently selected from the group consisting of alkylene or cycloalkylene radicals, and R₃ and R₄ are monovalent radicals which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen andalkyl groups having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl. Y' is preferably selected from the group consisting of: ##STR17##wherein n' is an integer between 2 and 20, E is chosen from the group consisting of bond, O, CH₂, S, SO₂, >C(CH₃)₂, and >C(CF₃)₂, and R_(y) is chosen from the group consisting of alkyl containing from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and NO₂. Preferred structures for X_(a) are the same as those listed for the polyester (ii)above.

An example of a vinyl ether terminated ether monomer is: ##STR18##wherein w is an integer from 1 to 4 indicating the number of substituents of D, R₅ and R₆ are monovalent radicals which are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups having 1-10 carbon atoms, preferably independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl, and D is a mono-, di-, tri-, or tetravalent radical consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, or alkyl ethers having a molecular weight of 56 to 1000. Preferred structures for D are: ##STR19##wherein n" is an integer from 1 to 8, p is the integer 3, 4, or 5, and E ischosen from the group consisting of bond, O, CH₂, S, SO₂, >C(CH₃)₂, and >C(CF₃)₂, and wherein the tricyclic structure above includes all stereoisomers. Typical divinyl ether compounds of particular usefulness are 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol divinyl ether, dipropylene glycol divinyl ether, tripropylene glycol divinyl ether, triethylene glycol divinyl ether.

Such compounds may be prepared conveniently by reacting acetylene with diols such as 1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol, dipropylene glycol, tripropyleneglycol, and diethylene glycol.

Monofunctional compounds may also be used and these may be prepared by reacting acetylene with monoalcohols such as cyclohexanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, and ethylene glycol-2-ethyl hexyl ether.

Typical monofunctional vinyl ethers include cyclohexyl vinyl ether, n-butyldiethoxy vinyl ether, n-hexylethoxy vinyl ether, methyl dipropyleneglycol vinyl ether, and 2-ethylhexylethoxy vinyl ether.

Photoinitiator (c). The photoinitiator (c) which may be chosen from the group consisting of a cationic photoinitiator and a radical photoinitiator, may be added with a sensitizer if necessary. Examples of cationic photoinitiators are triarylsulfonium salts or diaryliodonium salts having non-nucleophilic anions such as hexafluorophosphate (also known as Cyracure UVI-6990), hexafluoroantimonate (also known as UVI-6974), tetrafluoroborate, and hexafluoroarsenate. Examples of radical photoinitiators are benzoin ethers, acyl phosphine oxides, acyl ketals, and other radical photoinitiators known in the art. The photoinitators areusually required in mounts from about 0.1 to 5 wt. % in the blended formulaof vinyl ethers and may comprise mixtures of different triarylsulfonium or diaryliodonium salts having different non-nucleophilic anions associated with them. Examples of sensitizers are benzophenone, thioxanthone, phenanthrene, anthracenemethanol, isopropylthioxanthone, and perylene. Radiation activated cationic initiators have been reviewed by J. V. Crivello, Advances in Polymer Sci, 64, pp. 1-48 (1984).

Thermal Oxidation Stabilizer (d). The thermal oxidation stabilizer may be present in the coating in an amount up to about 5 wt. %, preferably in therange of from about 0.25 wt. % to about 3.0 wt. %. Examples are hindered phenolic antioxidants such as octadecyl 3-(3',5'-di-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (Irganox 1076), tetrakis [methylene(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate)]methane (Irganox 1010), and benzene propanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-,thiodi-2,1-ethanediyl ester (Irganox1035). Examples of stabilizers which are not hindered phenolic antioxidantsare N,N'-(2-naphthyl)-phenylenediamine (AgeRite White) dilaurylthiodipropionate (Irganox PS800), and p,p'-2-(2-phenylpropyldiphenylamine (Naugard 445).

Hydrogen Stabilizer (e). The generation of hydrogen by polymers is a problem which is especially acute in coatings for optical fibers since thehydrogen can react with the surface of the glass fibers and create signal attenuation. Consequently, standards for hydrogen generation are very stringent.

Preferably, the amount of hydrogen generated in a high temperature test to be described below is 1.0 μL/g of polymer or lower, particularly 0.3 μL/g or below. The reason hydrogen generation occurs is not fully understood at this time. We believe that the hydrogen generation process involves the presence of hydroperoxide intermediates formed by the reaction of the organic compounds present in the coatings with oxygen. This may be accelerated by the radicals generated by decomposition of the photoinitiators during curing of the coating formulations. We believe thatthe three classes of compounds discussed below all have the effect of destroying hydroperoxides and/or trapping radicals and consequently limit the decomposition reactions which result in hydrogen formation.

In our co-pending parent application we disclosed that a group of hydrogen stabilizers are useful. In particular, hindered phenolic antioxidants, nitrogen-based stabilizers, aliphatic sulfides, aliphatic disulfides, aliphatic polysulfides, aromatic sulfides, aromatic disulfides, aromatic polysulfides, mixed aliphatic/aromatic sulfides, mixed aliphatic/aromatic disulfides, mixed aliphatic/aromatic polysulfides, aliphatic nitro compounds, and aromatic nitro compounds.

We have now found that another class of compounds should also be included, namely transition metal salts or complexes of organic compounds, and further that when these later compounds are combined with organic sulfidesor disulfides and hindered phenols marked reduction in the hydrogen generation is obtained. When the use of these three synergistic materials is combined with low radiation doses and elevated temperatures the cured polymers are able to achieve the very low levels of hydrogen generation required for optical fiber coatings, or in any other service where hydrogen generation is a concern. The benefits of these discoveries will be demonstrated in the examples below.

As previously mentioned, examples of hindered phenolic antioxidants are Irganox 1076 (octadecyl 3-(3',5'-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate,Irganox 1010 (tetrakis[methylene(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4hydroxyhydrocinnamate)]methane, andIrganox 1035 (benzene propionic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-,thiodi-2,1-ethanediyl ester. Examples of aliphatic sulfides are dodecyl sulfide, octyl sulfide, octadecyl sulfide, secoctylsulfide, t-butyl sulfide, dilaurylthiodipropionate. Examples of aliphatic disulfides are dodecyl disulfide, octyl disulfide, octadecyl disulfide, sec-octyl disulfide, t-butyl disulfide, and dilaurylthiodipropionate. Examples of aromatic sulfides are phenyl sulfide, benzyl sulfide, tolyl sulfide, and 6-hydroxynaphthyl sulfide. Examples of aromatic disulfides are phenyl disulfide, benzyl disulfide, tolyl disulfide, and 6-hydroxynaphthyl disulfide.

The transition metal salts of organic compounds are generally the metal salts of organic acids, such as acetic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, naphthoic acid, cyclohexane butyric acid, or complexes, such as acetylacetonate or arene complexes. Compounds which have been found to be useful include metal salts of naphthenate octoate, 2-ethyl hexanoate, and cyelohexane butyrate. The transition metals of particular usefulness include cobalt, manganese, copper, nickel, and zinc.

The amounts of hydrogen stabilizers required are small, generally less than5 wt. % in the polymer formulation before it is cured. The hindered phenolsand sulfides are used in amounts of about 0 to 5 wt. %, preferably about 0.1 to 3 wt. %. The transition metal salts are usually used in smaller quantities, generally about 0.0001 to 0.5 wt. %, preferably about 0.001 to0.05 wt. %.

Light Screen (f). The light screen may be present in the coating at a rangeof 0 to 5 wt. %. Examples of light screens include benzotriazole derivatives and aromatic esters such as Cyasorb 2908 (2,6-di(t-butyl)-p-hydroxybenzoic acid, hexadecyl ester), aryl salicylate esters, and esters of 2-cyano-3,3-di-phenyl-acrylic acid.

Color Stabilizer (g). The color stabilizer may be present in the coating ata range of 0 to 5 wt. %. Examples of color stabilizers are carbamates such as N,N'-dicarbomethoxybenzidine and blocked amines such as Tinuvin 440 (8-acetyl-3-dodecyl-7,7,9,9-tetramethyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro(4,5)decane-2,4-dione).

Blocking Stabilizer (h). The blocking stabilizer may be present in the coating at a range of 0 to 5 wt. % of the secondary coating. Examples of blocking stabilizers are carnauba wax, polyether silicone copolymers such as SF 1188, fluorinated copolymers, micronized polyethylene waxes, and micronized celluloses.

Coupling Agent (j). In the parent of this application typical coupling agents were reported to be substituted trialkoxy silanes. While these silanes are used to improve the adhesion of polymers to glass, they have been found to fall short of the desired performance for premium applications such as for optical fiber coatings, especially where water orhigh humidity are present. There are other disadvantages to the use of the trialkoxy silanes. First, they are relatively volatile and have an unpleasant odor. Also, it is necessary to use undesirably large amounts inorder to obtain adequate coupling of the polymers to glass. Finally, these coupling agents have a tendency to reduce the curing speed of the coating formulations, which is clearly undesirable.

We have now found that vinyl ether urethane siloxanes provide improved coupling agents. These compounds generally have lower volatility and less odor than the trialkoxy silanes used heretofore. By having vinyl ether groups, they are easily compatible with the vinyl ether coating formulations. In addition, and most important they are more effective thanthe trialkoxy silanes under moist conditions.

The new vinyl ether urethane siloxane coupling agents may be produced by the reaction of hydroxy monovinyl ethers with trialkoxy silanes which havean isocyanate functionality. Typical but not limiting monovinyl ethers are 4-hydroxybutyl vinyl ether, 2-hydroxyethyl vinyl ether, hydroxymethyl cyclohexyl methyl vinyl ether, 6-hydroxyhexyl vinyl ether and diethylene glycol mono vinyl ether. Isocyanate functionalized silanes include for example, isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane. Still other vinyl ether siloxane coupling agents may be derived from the reaction products of 1) trialkoxy silane with allyl vinyl ethers, or 2) trialkoxy chlorosilanes with hydroxy vinyl ethers.

Coating Preparation. Protective or decorative vinyl ether-based coatings for wood, metal, paper, glass, and plastics should maintain properties such as color stability, thermal stability, mechanical stability, hydrolytic stability, and resistance to embrittlement, and to minimize or prevent other properties such as hydrogen generation and blocking.

One such application requiring maintenance of such properties is the use ofthese coatings in optical fiber preparation. Optical coatings are sometimesapplied in two layers, the inner being much different in physical properties than the outer. The inner or primary coating is softer and moreelastic than the outer or secondary coating, which is intended to provide atough barrier able to protect the inner coating and the glass fiber beneathit. Although the formulations used by the present inventors for the inner and outer coatings are selected from the same families of vinyl ether compounds, quite different properties can be obtained. Also, it is an advantage to the formulator that both layers are chemically related in that cure, wettability, and adhesion are improved.

One such application requiring maintenance of such properties is the use ofthese coatings in optical fiber preparation. Optical coatings are sometimesapplied in two layers, the inner being much different in physical properties than the outer. The inner or primary coating is softer and moreelastic than the outer or secondary coating, which is intended to provide atough barrier able to protect the inner coating and the glass fiber beneathit. Although the formulations used by the present inventors for the inner and outer coatings are selected from the same families of vinyl ether compounds, quite different properties can be obtained. Also, it is an advantage to the formulator that both layers are chemically related in that cure, wettability, and adhesion are improved. The formulations are prepared so that they have a viscosity of about 100 to 1000 cps (mPa•s) at the application temperature (about 20° to 100° C.). The cured coating requires physical properties consistentwith their function for the primary layer the glass transition temperature (Tg) should be at or below 0° C. and have a modulus of 80-800 psi (551-5510 kPa) at room temperature with an elongation greater than 50%. The secondary layer should have a cured Tg greater than 50° C., a cured modulus of at least 50,000 psi (344.7 MPa) at room temperature and an elongation greater than 5%.

In general, a primary optical fiber coating comprises a vinyl ether-containing composition polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation. This composition comprises a resin mixture, a photoinitiator, a thermal oxidation stabilizer, and additives, said resin mixture comprising oligomer (a) and monomers (b), wherein oligomer (a) comprises from about 5 to 95 wt % of the resin mixture and monomers (b) comprise about 5 to 95 wt % of the resin mixture, and wherein the mounts of the remaining components are based upon the resin mixture: the photoinitiator (c) comprises from about 0.1 to 5 wt % based upon the weight of the resin mixture, the thermal oxidation stabilizer (d) comprises 0.1 to 5 pph, and the additives are the hydrogen stabilizer of the invention (e) comprising 0 to 5 pph, a light screen (f) comprising 0 to 5 pph, a color stabilizer (g) comprising 0 to 5 pph, and a coupling agent (j) comprising 0 to 5 pph.

A secondary optical fiber coating comprises a vinyl ether-containing composition polymerizable by actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation. This composition comprises a resin mixture, a photoinitiator, athermal oxidation stabilizer, and additives, said resin mixture comprising oligomer (a) and monomers (b), wherein oligomer (a) comprises from about 5to 95 wt % of the resin mixture, monomers (b) comprise about 5 to 95 wt % of the resin mixture, and wherein the amounts of the remaining components are based upon the resin mixture: the photoinitiator (c) comprises from about 0.1 to 5 wt % based upon the weight of the resin mixture, the thermal oxidation stabilizer (d) comprises 0.1 to 5 pph, and the additivesare the hydrogen stabilizers of the invention (e) comprising 0 to 5 pph, a light screen (f) comprising 0 to 5 pph, a color stabilizer (g) comprising 0 to 5 pph, and a blocking stabilizer (h) comprising 0 to 5 pph.

The coatings and the oligomers are cured using actinic, gamma ray, or electron beam radiation. Electron beam curing may be performed advantageously in the presence of an iodonium or a sulfonium salt to afford high speed cationic polymerization. Ultraviolet curing in the presence of an onium salt also may be used to produce cationic polymerization. The ultraviolet radiation from a mercury vapor lamp is commonly used. Other means include thermal curing in the presence of a Lewis acid, such as boron trifluoride, or in the presence of a strong acidsuch as p-toluenesulfonic acid and trifluoromethylsulfonic acid. Latent thermal catalysts which release a strong acid upon heating, e.g., blocked sulfonic acid may also be used. All these methods of polymerization are well known to those skilled in the art. Cationic polymerization in the presence of ultraviolet radiation is preferred for curing of the coatings for optical fibers. Curing by radical polymerization may be induced by electron, gamma, or actinic radiation. Curing of a mixed vinyl ether/acrylate or vinyl ether maleate system in the presence of a radical initiator may be performed by ultraviolet, electron beam, or gamma irradiation. A dual initiator system, i.e., having both radical and cationic initiators, can also be used.

EXAMPLE I

A polyester oligomer based upon a polyol and diester was made with the stoichiometry controlled such that the oligomer was ester end-capped and of the appropriate molecular weight. A second stage was then performed in which hydroxyvinyl ether was added to end-cap the ester moieties.

The polyester oligomer was synthesized as follows: A 250 mL high temperature polycondensation flask equipped with a short path distillationsidearm was charged with 4,8-bis(hydroxymethyl)tricyclo-[5.2.1.0²,6 ]decane (BHTD, 39.26 g, 0.2 mol), dimethyl isophthalate (DMI) (58.26 g, 0.3 mol) and titaniumdiisopropoxide acetylacetonate catalyst (10 drops). The flask was fitted with a mechanical stirrer and vacuum applied (23.9 kPa, 180 torr). The mixture was stirred at 140° C. for 180 minutes during which time methanol (9.8 g, 77% theory) distilled from the reaction. The reactor vacuum was dropped to <667 Pa (<5 torr) over 120 minutes during which time an additional 2.4 g methanol was collected (95% theory). Hydroxybutylvinyl ether (HBVE, 35 g, 0.3 mol) was added to the reaction mass and stirring at 140° C./12 kPa (90 torr) was continued for 70 minutes. The vacuum was subsequently lowered to 5.3 kPa (40 torr) over 45 minutes. A total of 6.3 g methanol distilled during the HBVE condensation stage (98% theory). The vacuum was lowered to <667 Pa (<5 torr) and excess HBVE removed. A total of 11.5 g HBVE (98% theory) wasrecovered. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and used without purification. FTIR shows no OH stretch and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) (ethyl acetate solvent, polystyrene standards with UV detection at 270 nm, flow rate was 1.0 mL/min at 35° C., refractive index (RI) detection) gave molecular weights of Mn=2,183, Mw=2,268. using four columns with 5 μm diameter particles having pore sizes of 50 Å, 100 Å, 500 Å, and 1000 Å, respectively. HNMR analysis indicated noacetal formation.

EXAMPLE II

The oligomer of Example I was formulated with various additives as a secondary optical fiber coating. The formulations were 60% oligomer and 40% VEctomer 4010 (a vinyl ether ester monomer produced by reacting 4-hydroxy butyl vinyl ether and dimethylisophthalate), with 0.5 pph of thephotoinitiator UVI-6974 (hexafluoroantimonate). The additives for each sample and the hydrogen generation data appear in Table 1. The formulations were drawn down into 1.5 mil films, then cured using 300 mJ/cm² UV exposure (H bulbs). The films were then heat aged at 100° C. for 48 hours in containers sealed in air. GC head space analyses were then conducted, and the amount of hydrogen generated was determined in μL/g of cured coating using the method described below.

                  TABLE 1                                                          ______________________________________                                         HYDROGEN STABILIZATION DATA                                                                               H.sub.2                                             SAMPLE   ADDITIVES         GENERATION                                          ______________________________________                                         1        none              54-74 uL/g                                          2        1 pph Irganox 1076                                                                               12-17                                               3        1 pph Vultac 3.sup.1                                                                             39-45                                               4        1 pph Irganox 1076                                                                               2.5-5.4                                                      1 pph Vultac 3                                                        .sup. 5.sup.2                                                                           1 pph 6-hydroxy-4-                                                                               4.7-6.2                                                      naphthyldisulfide                                                     .sup. 6.sup.2                                                                           1 pph Irganox 1076                                                                               2.2-4.2                                                      1 pph 6-hydroxy-4-naphthyl-                                                    disulfide                                                             7        1 pph TPS.sup.3   55-66                                               8        1 pph Irganox 1076                                                                               14-17                                                        1 pph TPS                                                             9        1 pph phenyl-disulfide                                                                           12-18                                               10       1 pph Irganox 1076                                                                               3.3-6.7                                                      1 pph phenyl-disulfide                                                11       1 pph Irganox 1076                                                                               3.3-5.0                                                      1 pph p-tolyl-disulfide                                               12       1 pph Irganox 1076                                                                               4.1-5.3                                                      1 pph benzyl-disulfide                                                13       1 pph Irganox 1076                                                                               5.1-7.2                                                      1 pph benzyl-trisulfide                                               ______________________________________                                    

The data show synergistic effects of using combinations of hindered phenolsand organo-sulfur compounds for hydrogen generation. The effects are not simply additive as may be seen, for example, by comparing the results of Samples 2 and 3 with those of Sample 4.

EXAMPLE III

Testing Combinations of Hydrogen Stabilizers

The polyester oligomer of Example I was mixed with Vectomer 4010 in a 60/40weight ratio as in Example II to make a formulation useful in optical fibercoatings. The same photoinitiator, UVI-6974 was added in amounts varying from 0.25 pph to 0.8 pph. Hydrogen stabilizers selected from hindered phenols, organic sulfides and disulfides and transition metal salts were added to determine their effect, singly and in combinations.

The formulations were applied to glass plates using a 1.5 mil (0.035 mm) Byrd bar. Then the coated plates were heated to the desired curing temperature in an air-circulating oven and cured by exposure to UV light in a nitrogen atmosphere using RPC Model QC-1202 UV processor (Fusion Systems 300 watt/inch H bulbs). The total exposure was controlled by varying the conveyer speed and thus the time of exposure.

After curing, approximately 1 gram of each cured resin was removed from theglass plate, weighed to the nearest 10⁻⁴ gram, placed into a 20 mL glass vial (I-Chem), and sealed with a plastic screw cap fitted with a silicone rubber septum for gas sampling. The vials with film samples were then heated at 100° C. in an air circulating oven for 24 hours. After removing the samples from the oven, and allowing them to cool, the amount of hydrogen generated was determined by GC head space analyses of the vials.

Hydrogen analyses were conducted using an HP 5890 gas chromatograph with thermal conductivity detector. The column used was a 6 ft×1/8 in OD (0.085 in ID) stainless steel column packed with 80/100 mesh 13X molecularsieve (Alltech Associates C-5000). Analyses were conducted isothermally at 31° C., with He as the carrier gas.

The detector response was calibrated by injecting measured volumes of pure hydrogen gas via a gas tight syringe, then plotting response against hydrogen volume.

Head space analyses of the resin sample vials were conducted by injecting 500 μL of head space gas via a gas into the gas chromatograph using a gas tight syringe. The amount of hydrogen gas generated by the resin sample was then determined by the following formula: ##EQU1##

EXAMPLE IV

Screening of Organic Sulfur Compounds

A series of organic sulfur compounds were tested for their effect on hydrogen separation, with and without the addition of a hindered phenol (Irganox 1076), using the formulations and methods of Example III. All of the formulations were cured at 300 mJ/cm² at room temperature. Heat aging and hydrogen determinations were conducted as described above in Example III.

                  TABLE 2                                                          ______________________________________                                                Organic Sulfur       Irganox Hydrogen                                          Compound             1076.sup.A                                                                             Generated                                  Sample Type         PPM     PPM     μL/Gram                                 ______________________________________                                         1      (None)       --      --      74.69                                      2      (None)       --      1.0     16.24                                      3      Vultac 3.sup.B                                                                              1.0     --      42.01                                      4      Vultac 3.sup.B                                                                              1.0     1.0     4.97                                       5      TPS-27.sup.C 1.0     --      61.04                                      6      TPS-27.sup.C 1.0     1.0     16.38                                      7      6-Hydroxy-4- 1.0     --      5.34                                              Naphthol                                                                       Disulfide                                                               8      6-Hydroxy-4- 1.0     1.0     3.42                                              Naphthol                                                                       Disulfide                                                               9      Phenyl Disulfide                                                                            1.0     --      14.96                                      10     Phenyl Disulfide                                                                            1.0     1.0     5.61                                       11     p-Tolyl Disulfide                                                                           1.0     1.0     4.29                                       12     p-Tolyl Disulfide                                                                           1.0     0.5     4.88                                       13     p-Tolyl Disulfide                                                                           1.0     1.5     3.35                                       14     p-Tolyl Disulfide                                                                           0.5     1.0     5.14                                       15     Benzyl Disulfide                                                                            1.0     1.0     4.83                                       16     Benzyl Trisulfide                                                                           1.0     1.0     6.25                                       17     Dodecyl Disulfide                                                                           0.5     1.0     2.55                                       ______________________________________                                          .sup.A. Irganox 1076 is octadecyl                                              3(3',5di-tert-butyl-4hydroxyphenol)propionate from CibaGeigy.                  .sup.B. Vultac 3 is a tertamylphenol disulfide from Elf Atochem.               .sup.C. TPS27 is a ditert-nonyl trisulfide from Elf Atochem.             

These results show that organic sulfides and trisulfides are effective in reducing the amount of hydrogen generated in vinyl ether formulations. Both aromatic and aliphatic compounds are effective. Hindered phenols are synergistic co-inhibitors in reducing hydrogen generation. Samples 7 and 8show that the phenol can be incorporated into the same molecule as the sulfur component. The most effective compounds in this series were p-tolyldisulfide and dodecyl disulfide.

EXAMPLE V

Testing Transitional Metal Salts

The procedures and formulations of Example IV were repeated except that copper (II) 2-ethylhexanoate (CuHex) was included in some samples, with the following results.

                  TABLE 3                                                          ______________________________________                                                                              Hydrogen                                  Example                                                                               PTDS.sup.A,                                                                             IRGANOX 1076.sup.B,                                                                          CuHex.sup.C,                                                                          Generated                                 #      ppm      ppm           ppm    μL/Gram                                ______________________________________                                          1     --       --            --     74.69                                      2     --       1.0           --     16.24                                     18     --       --            0.1    2.51                                      19     --       1.0           0.1    3.85                                      20     1.0      --            0.1    1.00.sup.D                                21     0.5      1.0           0.1    1.40                                      22     1.0      1.0            0.01  1.09                                      ______________________________________                                          .sup.A. PTDS is ptolyl disulfide.                                              .sup.B. Irganox 1076 is octadecyl                                              3(3',5di-tert-butyl-4hydroxyphenol)propionate from CibaGeigy                   .sup.C. CuHex is copper (II) 2ethylhexanoate.                                  .sup.D. Formulation required 2 × 300 mJ/cm.sup.2 to cure.          

These results show that the composition of the stabilizer package is a key factor in determining its effectiveness in inhibiting the formation of hydrogen in vinyl ether formulations. Soluble copper salts are seen to be effective in reducing hydrogen generation even when used as the sole additive (Sample 18). The combination of the copper salt with Irganox 1076is not as effective as the combination of copper salt with p-tolyl disulfide (Samples 19 and 20). Synergistic properties are achieved by combining the copper salt with the Irganox 1076 and the p-tolyl disulfide (Samples 21 and 22). The effectiveness of the copper salt is seen even at very low copper concentrations (Sample 22).

EXAMPLE VI

Effect of UV Dose

The formulations and procedures of Example III were repeated with the amount of UV exposure (dose) varied. The results are given the following table.

                  TABLE 4                                                          ______________________________________                                                                                Hydro-                                                                         gen                                                                            Gener-                                  Organic       Irganox                  ated                                    Disulfide     1076.sup.A                                                                              CuHex.sup.B                                                                             Dose   μL/                                  Sample Type    PPM    PPM    PPM    mJ/cm.sup.2                                                                           gram                                ______________________________________                                          1     --      --     --     --     300    74.69                                2     --      --     1.0    --     300    16.24                               23     --      --     3.0    --     100    35.01                               24     TDS.sup.C                                                                              1.0    1.0     0.01  300    1.09                                25     TDS.sup.C                                                                              0.5    1.0    0.1    300    1.40                                26     DDS.sup.D                                                                              1.0    1.5     0.01  225    0.67                                27     DDS.sup.D                                                                              0.5    1.0    0.1    200    0.54                                28     DDS.sup.D                                                                              0.5    1.0    0.1    100    0.29                                29     DDS.sup.D                                                                              0.5    1.0    0.1     50    0.33                                30     DDS.sup.D                                                                              1.0    1.0    0.2    300    1.35                                ______________________________________                                          .sup.A. Irganox 1076 is octadecyl                                              3(3',5di-tert-butyl-4hydroxyphenyl)propionate from CibaGeigy.                  .sup.B. CuHex is copper (II) 2ethylhexanoate.                                  .sup.C. TDS is ptolyl disulfide.                                               .sup.D. DDS is dodecyl disulfide.                                        

These results show that cure dose at room temperature is an important factor in the mount of hydrogen generated in vinyl ether formulations. However, the stabilizer package is effective in reducing hydrogen generation to low levels (ca. 1 μL/gram) even at high cure dose (300 mJ/cm²).

EXAMPLE VII

Effect of UV Dose and Temperature

The formulations and procedures of Example XIII were repeated with both theUV exposure and curing temperature varied. The results are given in the following table.

                                      TABLE 5                                      __________________________________________________________________________                   Irganox            Hydrogen                                      Sample                                                                              Organic Disulfide                                                                       1076.sup.A                                                                          CuHex.sup.B                                                                         Temp                                                                               Dose Generated                                     #    Type PPM PPM  PPM  °C.                                                                         mJ/cm.sup.2                                                                         μL/Gram                                    __________________________________________________________________________      1   --   --  --   --   RT.sup.D                                                                           300  74.69                                          2   --   --  1.0  --   RT.sup.D                                                                           300  16.24                                         31   PTDS.sup.C                                                                          0.5 1.0  0.1  RT.sup.D                                                                           300  1.40                                          32   PTDS.sup.C                                                                          1.0 1.0  0.1  60  100  0.68                                          33   DDS.sup.E                                                                           0.5 1.0  0.1  RT.sup.D                                                                           200  0.54                                          34   DDS.sup.E                                                                           0.5 1.0  0.1  60   50  0.31                                          35   DDS.sup.E                                                                           1.0 1.0  0.1  60   50  0.19                                          36   DDS.sup.E                                                                           1.0 1.0  0.2  60  100  0.70                                          37   DDS.sup.E                                                                           1.0 1.0  0.3  60  100  0.62                                          __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.A. Irganox 1076 is octadecyl                                              3(3',5di-tert-butyl-4hydroxyphenyl)propionate from CibaGeigy.                  .sup.B. CuHex is copper (II) 2ethylhexanoate.                                  .sup.C. TDS is ptolyl disulfide.                                               .sup.D. RT is ambient room temperature: 20-25° C..                      .sup.E. DDS is dodecyl disulfide.                                        

These results show that cure dose and temperature are important factors in the amount of hydrogen generated in vinyl ether formulations. The combination of elevated curing temperature, low cure dose and the incorporation of the stabilizer package, hydrogen generation is suppressedto levels as low as 0.2 μL/gram.

EXAMPLE VIII

The formulations and procedures of Example III were repeated except that alternative metal salts were included. The results are shown in the following table.

                                      TABLE 6                                      __________________________________________________________________________              Irganox                Hydrogen                                       Sample                                                                              DDS.sup.A                                                                          1076.sup.B                                                                          Transition Metal                                                                        Temp.                                                                              Dose Generated                                      #    PPM PPM  Type PPM °C.                                                                         mJ/cm.sup.2                                                                         μL/Gram                                     __________________________________________________________________________     26   1.0 1.5  CuHex.sup.C                                                                         0.01                                                                               RT.sup.D                                                                           225  0.67                                           38   1.0 1.5  CuHex.sup.C                                                                         0.01                                                                               60   50  0.12                                           39   0.5 1.0  CuCHB.sup.E                                                                         0.01                                                                               RT.sup.D                                                                           225  2.39                                           40   0.5 1.0  CuCHB.sup.E                                                                         0.01                                                                               60   50  1.15                                           41   0.5 1.0  CoCHB.sup.F                                                                         0.01                                                                               RT.sup.D                                                                           225  7.53                                           42   0.5 1.0  CoCHB.sup.F                                                                         0.01                                                                               60   50  0.97                                           __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.A. DDS is dodecyl disulfide.                                              .sup.B. Irganox 1076 is octadecyl                                              3(3',5di-tert-butyl-4hydroxyphenyl)propionate from CibaGeigy.                  .sup.C. CuHex is copper (II) 2ethylhexanoate.                                  .sup.D. RT is ambient room temperature: 20-25° C..                      .sup.E. Cu(II)CHB is copper cyclohexanebutyrate.                               .sup.F. Co(II)CHB is cobalt cyclohexanebutyrate.                         

These results show that soluble salts other than copper II 2-ethylhexanoateare effective in reducing hydrogen generation as co-inhibitors in the stabilization package containing the organic sulfur compound and hindered phenol. Soluble salts of transition metals other than copper can be used to develop effective packages to inhibit the generation of hydrogen in vinyl ether formulations.

EXAMPLE IX

Vinyl Ether Urethane Siloxane Coupling Agents

Three vinyl ether urethane siloxanes were made by the following method. A 100 mL 3-neck flask was equipped with a magnetic stir bar, a thermometer, and an N₂ bubbler. The flask was charged with 27.29 (0.11 moles) of 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane and 18.78 g (0.11 moles) of hydroxymethyl cyclohexylmethyl vinyl ether. The resulting mixture was stirred under N₂, and the flask was cooled in an ice bath. To the mixture were added two drops of dibutyl tin diacetate. Within a few seconds, the temperature of the mixture began to rise, reaching about 65° C. after about 10 minutes. The temperature began to decrease almost immediately. When the temperature reached about 40° C., the ice bath was removed, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. At this time, IR analysis showed that all of the isocyanate group had been reacted. The resulting vinyl ether urethane siloxane was a mobile liquid with a slight but pleasant odor.

Other catalysts for the generation of urethanes could be employed as well, and solvents can be used when solid reactants or products are used or anticipated.

Two additional vinyl ether urethane siloxanes were made by the same method described above using 4-hydroxy butyl vinyl ether (HBVE) and 2-hydroxy ethyl vinyl ether (HEVE).

The performance of these new adhesion promoters will be shown in the examples below.

EXAMPLE X

Vinyl Ether Oligomers for a Glass Adhesion (Coupling) Tests

Urethanes

Two vinyl ether-capped urethane oligomers were made and then equal weights were blended for use in mixing optical fiber coatings in the examples below.

The first oligomer was prepared by reacting 17.752 equivalents of Witco Formrez 33-56 (OH equivalent weight 1011.9) with 35.503 equivalents of BASF methylene diisocyanate (NCO equivalent weight 125.37) using dibutyltin diacetate as the catalyst, then end-capping with 17.752 equivalents of ISP CHMVE (cyclohexanedimethanol monovinyl ether, OH equivalent weight 170). The second oligomer was prepared by reacting 17.64equivalents of Witco Formrez 33-56 (OH equivalent weight 1011.9) with 35.29equivalents of BASF MP-102 diisocyanate (NCO equivalent weight 185.02) using dibutyltin diacetate as the catalyst, then end-capping with 17.64 equivalents of ISP CHMVE (OH equivalent weight 170). For the purposes of this investigation, equal weights of these two products were blended together. The resulting urethane oligomer blend was designated as VEU.

Esters

Two vinyl ether-capped ester oligomers were made by methods similar to thatof Example 11. In this instance the two were not blended, but used individually to prepare optical fiber coatings in the examples below.

The first oligomer was prepared by the trans-esterification reaction of 22.92 moles of dimethyl isophthalate (Morflex 1129) with 17.32 moles of polyTHF-250 (BASF) and 3.05 moles of BHTD (4,8-bis(hydroxymethyl)tricyclo-[5.2.1.0²,6 ]decane, Aldrich) using dibutyltin diacetate as the catalyst, followed by end-tapping with HBVE (4-hydroxybutyl vinyl ether, ISP). The resulting ester oligomer was designated as VEE-1.

The second oligomer was prepared by the trans-esterification reaction of 25.02 moles of dimethyl isophthalate (Morflex 1129) with 17.41 moles of polyTHF-250 (BASF), 0.64 moles of polyTHF-650 (BASF), and 3.97 moles of BHTD (Aldrich) using dibutyltin diacetate as the catalyst, followed by end-tapping with HBVE (ISP). The resulting ester oligomer was designated as VEE-2.

EXAMPLE XI

Optical Fiber Coatings for Glass Adhesion (Coupling) Tests

Three optical fiber coatings were formulated for adhesion testing using theurethane and ester oligomers made in Example X. These coatings were as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         COMPONENT          WT. % (PPH)                                                 ______________________________________                                         Formulation A                                                                  VEU                69                                                          PolyTHF divinyl ether.sup.(a)                                                                      9                                                          VEX 3010.sup.(b)   10                                                          2-Ethylhexyl vinyl ether.sup.(c)                                                                  12                                                          Irganox 1076.sup.(d)                                                                              (1.0)                                                       UVI-6990.sup.(e)    (0.75)                                                     Coupling agent (as specified)                                                                     (1.0)                                                       Formulation B                                                                  VEE-1              80                                                          VEctomer 4010.sup.(f)                                                                             15                                                          VEX 3010.sup.(b)    5                                                          Dodecyl sulfide    (0.5)                                                       Copper (II) 2-ethylhexanoate                                                                        (0.0025)                                                  Irganox 1076.sup.(d)                                                                              (2.0)                                                       UVI-6974.sup.(g)   (0.8)                                                       Coupling agent (as specified)                                                                     (as specified)                                              Formulation C                                                                  VEE-2              80                                                          VEctomer 4010.sup.(f)                                                                             15                                                          VEX 3010.sup.(b)    5                                                          Dodecyl sulfide    (0.5)                                                       Copper (II) 2-ethylhexanoate                                                                        (0.0025)                                                  SF1188.sup.(h)     (0.5)                                                       UVI-6974.sup.(g)   (as specified)                                              Irganox 1076.sup.(d)                                                                              (2.0)                                                       ______________________________________                                          .sup.(a) poly tetrahydrofuran divinyl ether (ISP)                              .sup.(b) reaction product of HBVE and methyl benzoate (AlliedSignal)           .sup.(c) supplied by ISP                                                       .sup.(d) octadecyl3-(3',5ditertbutyl-4hydroxyphenyl)propionate (CibaGeigy      .sup.(e) triaryl sulfonium hexafluorophosphate (Union Carbide)                 .sup.(f) reaction product of 4hydroxy butyl vinyl ether and                    dimethylisophthalate (AlliedSignal)                                            .sup.(g) triaryl sulfonium hexafluoro antimonate (Union Carbide)               .sup.(h) silicone fluid (Dow Corning)                                    

Formulations A, B, and C were combined with a coupling agent selected from the following group and then tested for adhesion.

E6250 2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl trimethoxysilane (Huls)

M8550 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (Huls)

G6720 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (Huls)

G6710 (3-glycidoxypropyl)methyl diethoxysilane (Huls)

A0564 allyl triethoxysilane (Huls)

V4910 vinyl triethoxysilane (Huls)

HBVE/Si AlliedSignal, reaction product of 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane with 4-hydroxybutylvinyl ether

HEVE/Si AlliedSignal, reaction product of 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane with 2-hydroxyethylvinyl ether

CHMVE/Si AlliedSignal, reaction product of 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane with cyclohexanediethanol monovinyl ether

HDMVE/Si AlliedSignal reaction product of 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane with 6-hydroxyhexylvinyl ether

Thin films (ca. 1.5 mils) of the resin formulations were applied to clean glass plates. The formulations were cured by exposure to UV light using a Fusion Systems photocuring unit with 300 watt/inch H-bulbs. The cure dose was varied as indicated in the Examples, and was controlled by varying theconveyor speed.

After the resin formulations were cured, their adhesion to the glass plateswas evaluated by 180° peel testing at 10 inches/minute. The cured test plates were exposed to various environments before adhesion was evaluated:

Ambient Conditions: Samples were evaluated after allowing the cured formulations to equilibrate to ambient temperature and humidity for at least 1 day.

95% RH: Samples were evaluated after allowing the cured formulations to equilibrate in a 95% RH chamber at room temperature for at least 1 day.

Immersion: Samples were evaluated after being immersed in water at room temperature for the amount of time specified.

EXAMPLE XII

A conventional coupling agent A0564 and CHMVE/Si were tested for their ability to improve adhesion of Formulation B to glass. The concentration of CHMVE/Si was varied. All samples were used with 250 mJ/cm² at 60° C. The results are shown in the following table.

                                      TABLE 7                                      __________________________________________________________________________     Coupling    Level                                                                              180° Peel Test Results (Grams/Inch)                     Sample                                                                              Agent  PPH Ambient.sup.(a)                                                                       95% RH.sup.(b)                                                                        Immersion.sup.(c)                                __________________________________________________________________________     55   (None) --  155    --     --                                               56   (None) --  --      5     --                                               57   A0564  1.0 180    --     --                                               58   A0564  1.0 --      75    --                                               59   CHMVE/Si                                                                              0.25                                                                               335    --     --                                               60   CHMVE/Si                                                                              0.25                                                                               --      75    --                                               61   CHMVE/Si                                                                              0.50                                                                               420    --     --                                               62   CHMVE/Si                                                                              0.50                                                                               --     155    --                                               63   CHMVE/Si                                                                              0.75                                                                               --     --      9                                               64   CHMVE/Si                                                                              0.75                                                                               420    --     --                                               65   CHMVE/Si                                                                              0.75                                                                               --     225    --                                               66   CHMVE/Si                                                                              1.0 425    --     --                                               67   CHMVE/Si                                                                              1.0 --     180    --                                               68   CHMVE/Si                                                                              1.0 --     --     14                                               69   CHMVE/Si                                                                              2.0 --     --     77                                               70   CHMVE/Si                                                                              4.0 --     --     132                                              __________________________________________________________________________      .sup.(a) Exposure to Ambient room conditions (temperature of 22-24.degree     C., 42-51% RH) for 1 day prior to testing.                                      .sup.(b) Exposure to 95% RH at ambient room temperature for 1 day prior t     testing.                                                                        .sup.(c) Testing performed after immersion in water at room temperature        for 3 days.                                                              

The results of these evaluations clearly demonstrate that the new coupling agent CHMVE/Si provided superior improvement in adhesion to glass plates compared to commercially available coupling agent A0564. 

We claim:
 1. A method of reducing hydrogen generation from polymers produced by radiation of coating compounds comprising polymerizable oligomers and monomers having reactive functionalities selected from the group consisting of epoxy, acrylate, vinyl ether, maleate, or mixtures thereof, at least one of which contains a vinyl ether functionality, comprising adding to said coating compounds before radiation curing an effective amount of a mixture of(a) hindered phenols selected from the group consisting of octadecyl 3-(3',5'-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate, tetrakis{methylene(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamate)}methane, and benzene propanoic acid, 3,5-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-hydroxy-, thio-2,1-ethane decyl ester; (b) organic sulfides or organic disulfides selected from the group consisting of dodecyl sulfide, octyl sulfide, octadecyl sulfide, sec-octyl sulfide, t-butyl sulfide, dilaurylthiodipropionate, dodecyl disulfide, octyl disulfide, octadecyl disulfide, sec-octyl disulfide, t-butyl disulfide, phenyl sulfide, benzyl sulfide, tolyl sulfide, 6-hydroxy naphthyl sulfide, phenyl disulfide, benzyl disulfide, tolyl disulfide, and 6-hydroxy naphthyl disulfide; and (c) transition metal salts or complexes of organic compounds selected from the group consisting of naphthenates, octoates, 2-ethyl hexanoates, cyclohexane butyrates, acetyl acetonates, and arene complexes, wherein said transition metals consist of one or more members of the group consisting of cobalt, manganese, nickel, copper, and zinc.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein both of said oligomers and monomers contain vinyl ether functionality.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein said coating compounds are precursors of optical fiber coatings.
 4. Hydrogen stabilizers for polymers produced by radiation of coating compounds comprising polymerizable oligomers and monomers, at least one of which contains a vinyl ether functionality, comprising an effective amount of a mixture of(a) octa decyl 3-3(3'-5'-di-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate; (b) p-tolyl disulfide or dodecylsulfide; and (c) at least one of the group consisting of copper(II) 2-ethyl hexanoate, copper(II) cyclohexane butyrate, or cobalt cyclohexane butyrate.
 5. The hydrogen stabilizers of claim 4 wherein (b) is dodecyl sulfide.
 6. The hydrogen stabilizers of claim 4 wherein (c) is copper (II) 2-ethyl hexanate. 